Feeding Vegetables Into Auto Fuel

The exhaust from autos fueled by gasoline is one of the most potent air polluters in the nation. In many parts of the country, especially where agricultural products are at hand, vegetables have been displacing gasoline as fuel. But, lo and behold, it now appears that a bio-diesel plant will soon be in operation in New York City.

The New York Times reports that when in operation the plant will be able to produce 110 million gallons of fuel a year. If successful, other such plants will undoubtedly follow.

The success of the venture will be far more than a way to reduce pollution. It will also make the U.S far less dependent on oil from the Middle East. The macro-political consequences cannot be underestimated.

There are, however, side effects of the new found source of energy that, in the long run, will require attention. For one, it may cut into the supply of food and the cost of food. It may also lead to deforestation.

At present, we count on our forests to help purify the air we breathe. The carbon dioxide in the air is inhaled by plants that, with their chlorophyll, can convert 6 parts of CO2 and 5 parts of H2O into starch and water.

What is most encouraging is the very fact that there are people in our midst who are aware of the negative aspects of generating bio-diesel energy and who are addressing themselves to coping with these difficulties. A mix of good intentions and good brains should do what should and can be done.

Top Stories

The Jewish Daily Forward welcomes reader comments in order to promote thoughtful discussion on issues of importance to the Jewish community. In the interest of maintaining a civil forum, The Jewish Daily Forwardrequires that all commenters be appropriately respectful toward our writers, other commenters and the subjects of the articles. Vigorous debate and reasoned critique are welcome; name-calling and personal invective are not. While we generally do not seek to edit or actively moderate comments, our spam filter prevents most links and certain key words from being posted and The Jewish Daily Forward reserves the right to remove comments for any reason.

Rabbi Ron Fish and his family recently made the move to Sharon, a suburb of Boston. They love basketball, celebrating Shabbat — and Stephen Colbert.

"My son is marrying a woman from Singapore and he refuses to incorporate any Jewish traditions in the wedding — even breaking the glass. Am I being ridiculous to care?"
This week's #Seesaw advice column:

May her memory be a blessing.

Lithuania is accusing Jewish partisans of war crimes. Jonathan Katz asks: Is the country just trying to hide its history of Nazi collaboration?

In a recent interview, Woody Allen spoke out about his controversial relationship with wife Soon-Yi Previn. Madison Margolin asks: who are we to judge them?

If you're an African-American Jew who wants a wearable symbol that screams 'Jewish,' you might run into problems with the Star of David, which was used as a gang symbol. Here's why MaNishtana decided to reclaim it. http://jd.fo/e8O0m

Jewish extremists carried out attacks on Palestinians and gay pride marchers hours apart. J.J. Goldberg explains how the killing of a Palestinian toddler may mark a dramatic shift for the anti-Arab movement — and one that Israel may not be able to easily control.

Jewish federations from coast to coast are coming under intense pressure to denounce the Iran nuclear deal, even though they usually avoid political disputes and the public is split down the middle. So far eight local groups have urged Congress to block the agreement. http://jd.fo/d8N6h

Judy Blume - our childhood hero and saver of marriages!

Liberals were happy to hear President Obama come out swinging in favor of the Iran nuclear deal. But by blasting the neo-conservatives who led us into the Iraq war, did he strike the wrong chord with some Jews?

Vayter / ווײַטער: A biweekly blog presenting original Yiddish articles, fiction, essays, videos and art by young writers and artists.

We will not share your e-mail address or other personal information.

The Forward occasionally sends promotional e-mails to our subscribers on behalf of selected sponsors, whose advertising supports our independent journalism. We hope you will look at their messages and find their offers interesting to you, but if you would like to opt out of receiving them, please uncheck this box.